“So Who’s in Charge Anyway?” | The News, You, and God

A congressman sends a message with an inappropriate picture of himself across the country, and we hear about it every time we turn on the news. It’s the topic of our conversation with friends and family, as it seems every day brings a new unfortunate twist to the drama. Sadly this man and his wife will always be known for these extremely poor choices.

I wonder if we have an appetite to hear this kind of news so the media continues to feed it to us, or if the near constant exposure to this news convinces us to pay attention? Either way, I am concerned that we are simply paying way too much attention to this disgusting behavior that has affected many lives. It’s time for the congressman to seek the forgiveness of those he has hurt, and make whatever changes in his life are necessary. Obviously his past behavior cannot continue.

Amidst all of the media frenzy surrounding this immoral episode, people are still struggling in Joplin, Missouri, Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and scores of other places devastated by this spring’s tornadoes. I can’t even begin to imagine the devastation in countless lives caused by a few moments of terrible weather. We don’t hear very much about these places anymore.

During one of our worship services this past weekend we recognized college student Sofie Martin who is leaving soon to help people in Haiti. Tens of thousands of people struggle daily throughout that country because of the earthquake that struck some 17 months ago. If Sofie wasn’t volunteering her time would we hear anything about Haiti?

While we recognized Sofie, she was surrounded by the faculty of our school who were, in turn, being thanked for their service to students during the past school year. Along with the general note of thanks, we also recognized Marlene Tres for 20 years of service at Immanuel, Melissa Johnson, 10 years, and Linda Bredrup, 5 years. Many of these teachers taught Sofie just a few years ago and now they see the impact of their ministry on not only Sofie but hundreds of additional young people. They are an incredible group and our school is very blessed. Unfortunately, you will not hear anything about our teacher’s unselfish contribution to their students “in the news.”

And speaking of unselfish contributions, our country has men and women of our Armed Forces, fighting at this moment in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and other places as terrorists threaten our security. All these brave people have voluntarily enlisted.  I wonder if we have become accustomed to war, and we forget to pray for our soldiers’ safety?

In my years of ministry I’ve never seen so many people in the church without jobs or fearful that their job is not secure. Our economy is struggling and we dread that simple act of filling up our car’s gas tank or picking up a few groceries. I hear a lot of blame from the media, but I don’t see new jobs and a better economy on the horizon.

There are some days I really don’t want to hear any news. But I find myself listening anyway. I am reminded that in spite of these things —  the congressman’s indiscretion, the fact that we seem to ignore the victims of tornadoes and hurricanes, and the daily struggles so many of us have to pay our bills– God is still God! There is a proverb that reads, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21.)

I trust in God and believe that he continues to work through us even though we so often ignore his sovereignty! God’s purpose stands and it is not changing. He wants all of us “to be saved to and come to the knowledge of his truth”. 1 Timothy 2:4 when the events of the day discourage you keep your eyes focused on the only one who promises you help in times of trouble.  See also: Romans 11:34-36, Ephesians.1:11, Psalms. 115:3

Today we are reminded that we can have a huge impact and change our world; we just need to follow the simple instruction of the most influential person of all time; the forgiver, the one who made the greatest sacrifice and our leader – Jesus Christ. As Jesus was ascending into heaven He left a word of instruction to His disciples. The word disciple means follower of Christ so His instruction applies to every person who believes in Christ, knows His forgiveness and welcomes his leadership in their life.

We’re going to talk about this during weekend Worship Services this weekend.  I hope you join us…either in person at 200 North Plum Grove , Palatine, IL or online from anywhere.  Service times are Saturday @5:00 p.m. and Sunday @ 8:00 a.m., 9:15 a.m., and 10:45 a.m.

See you in Church!
Pastor Tom